from Harness Publicists across North America

Sunday’s (December 14) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Harrah’s Chester, Dover Downs, and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway.

Philos Hanover triumphs in Chester’s final 2008 Open

Chester, PA — Philos Hanover and Cat Manzi went wire-to-wire, capping off the 2008 season in Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack’s $34,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Scott Cantor photo

Philos Hanover was a 1:51.1 winner in the Open Handicap Pace.

The field sat quietly behind Philos Hanover to the half in :55.4. Toucam Sam and Daniel Dube offered first-over pressure with Foiled Again and Yannick Gingras threatening from second-over. Total Truth and George Napolitano, Jr. sat patiently in the pocket through the three-quarters in 1:23.1, but were unable to capitalize on the open stretch in finishing third. Foiled Again went three-wide at the three-quarter mark to just miss the winner by three parts of a length in 1:51.1.

Philos Hanover, a 5-year-old Cam’s Card Shark, went wire-to-wire in the short field of five for trainer Joe Poliseno. He triumphed over some of the toughest pacing company in the world this season as a resident in Chester’s Open company. Facing the likes of Foiled Again, Total Truth and Boulder Creek throughout the duration of the meet, Philos Hanover prevailed in the final 2008 Open Handicap Pace. The win takes his 2008 earnings to $308,441.

Harrah’s Chester has live racing this Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12:15 p.m. eastern. For the 2009 meet, post time will move to a 5:00 p.m. start on April 5, racing every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

— Katrina Shand

Bullion Bill A scores at Dover

Dover, DE — Bullion Bill A was a winner in the top race at Dover Downs on Sunday.

Fotowon photo

Bullion Bill A was a 1:51.4 winner for Bret Brittingham.

Bret Brittingham, driving Erika Paradee’s Bullion Bill A, looped the field on the backstretch and sped away from his closest pursuer Sage’s Image (Ross Wolfenden) by four lengths turning for home on the way to a 1:51.4 victory in a $12,500 male pace. The Albert Albert-Forest Glory gelding won for the third time this season, upping his seasonal earnings to $36,250. Jacks Laughter A (Ron Pierce) was third.

Winbak Farms’ Celebrate America’s second straight triumph triggered a celebration for driver Jeff Fout. The 56-year-old Ohio native and leading driver for a number of seasons in the Buckeye State reached the 4,500 win plateau with the 1:57.2 victory in a Filly and Mare pace. For Fout, it marked a remarkable comeback after being involved in a serious accident in 2000. At the time, Fout was given no chance of ever driving a horse or even walking.

— Marv Bachrad

Coppola breaks Saratoga driving record

Saratoga Springs, NY — Frank Coppola, Jr. drove Pocket Belle N to victory in the sixth race at Saratoga Gaming & Raceway on Sunday.

Dave Oxford photo

Frank Coppola, Jr. crosses the finish line with win number 317.

The win gave Coppola the track record for driving wins in a single season with 317.

The previous record of 316 was held by Fern Paquet, Jr.

— Saratoga Gaming and Raceway